“Part race, part rock show, and part circus.”
Hosted each year during the Mama Tried Show in Milwaukee, Flat Out Friday is one of the most entertaining, thrilling events on two wheels — an event that’s been called “part race, part rock show, and part circus.” It’s a flat track race like you’ve never seen:
“Flat Out Friday is an indoor flat track motorcycle race on a Dr. Pepper syrup coated concrete track. Riders from the ages of 6 to 79 years old come from across the country to compete at the largest and most distinguished indoor flat track race in the U.S.A.”
The racing in tight and competitive on the short indoor track. The Hooligan class makes things accessible, open to street-legal bikes, while the Goofball class keeps things crazy — costumes aren’t just encouraged, but obligatory.
“Expect the unexpected at Flat Out Friday. In the past there has been a marriage, an impromptu wrestling match and more all right on the track in between races.”
Earlier this month — March 4, to be exact — Flat Out Friday was held at Milwaukee’s Fiserv Forum — the same arena where the Milwaukee Bucks play! Classes included:
- Masters: 60 Years of age and up, any motorcycle
- 65/85cc: 65cc/85 two strokes only, riders is 7-11 of age
- 50cc: Four stroke or PW only, rider is 4-8 years old
- Open Women’s: No Hooligans, rider is at least 12 years old by date of race
- Women’s Hooligan: 750cc or larger twin, bike must be 1986 or newer, rider must be 18 years of old by date of race
- Hand Shifter (Brakeless): If you know, you know, rider must be 18 years of age by date of race
- Open Amateur: Rider must be 12 years old to ride a 250 and 14 to ride a 450, NO Hooligans, NO AA Riders
- AA: Cannot race any other amateur class, Rider is at least 16 years of age, No Hooligans, $3600 purse, plus $100 per lap lead
- Boonie: Bike must be pull start, rider is 18 years old
- Open Hooligan: If the numbers allow, the class will be split at timed practice, Hooligans can only race in Hooligan classes, rider must be 18 years old
- Open Vintage: Rider must be 18 years old
- Goofball: FREE to race
- Chopper Class: FREE to race
- Charlotte Kainz Memorial Race
This year, our man on the ground was Chicago-based photographer Matt Gustafson, who took some incredible shots of the action. Enjoy!
Flat Out Friday 2022
Follow Flat Out Friday
Web: flatoutfriday.com
Instagram: @flatoutfriday
Facebook: @flatoutfriday
Great article. Also tickled to be apart of the action photos. Although is was not my glory moment as I was being dragged at the moment.
Cheers!